Clear Communication, Equal Access: The Oral Communicator Mask and the Promise of the ADA at 35

As we approach the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 2025, we are reminded that accessibility is not a luxury—accessibility is a legal right and a moral imperative. The ADA, signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, was a landmark step toward ensuring that individuals with disabilities are afforded equal opportunity, full participation, and independence in all areas of life. But the work of accessibility is ongoing—and today, one of the most overlooked barriers is communication itself.

At Safe’N’Clear, we believe that seeing is just as vital as hearing in effective communication—especially in educational settings where clarity, inclusion, and engagement are critical to learning success. That’s why we created The Communicator™ mask, a transparent surgical mask designed to support deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf-low vision individuals who rely on lip reading and facial expressions to understand and interact.

The classroom is a place where accessibility must be proactive, not reactive. Teachers, students, interpreters, and aides all benefit when communication is clear and inclusive. For students who are visual communicators, especially those mainstreamed into traditional learning environments, The Communicator™ helps reduce isolation, boost confidence, and support equal educational access—a goal that lies at the heart of the ADA.

But it’s not just about compliance. It’s about connection.

As we honor the legacy of the ADA this July, remember that the goal for inclusion continues with everyday choices. Choosing accessible tools like The Communicator™ mask in schools, universities, and learning programs is a powerful step toward the larger vision the ADA set forth: a society in which all individuals, regardless of ability, can participate fully and without barriers.

At 35 years, the ADA reminds us: Accessibility is not just a policy—accessibility is a promise. Let’s keep our promise to all Americans.

To learn more about The Communicator™ and how the clear-window mask supports compliance, communication, and connection, visit www.safenclear.com.